health
Fast antiviral flu treatment recommended for pregnant women
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Jan. 31, 2011
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that physicians respond quickly with antiviral treatment for pregnant or postpartum patients who have suspected or confirmed influenza, because of the patients' increased risk for severe complications and death from the disease.
Five days of treatment with oseltamivir is preferred for women who are pregnant or are within two weeks after pregnancy, according to the updated CDC recommendations issued Dec. 29, 2010 (link).
Patients hospitalized with severe infections may need longer treatments. Physicians and health care professionals who treat pregnant women should be prepared to start antiviral treatment as early as possible. Treatment should not be delayed by laboratory confirmation of influenza, the CDC said.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/01/31/hlbf0131.htm.
